St. Landry democrat., 1887-12-24
KING HUMBERT.
Monarch Who Has No Fear OF Beng
Assassinated by His People
copyrighted, ISL

lC0pyffghted, loo'.J
That slender, dark man, with sad, solemn
face who can be seen any fair Sunday after
noon driving in the BorgheSe Gardens, out
side of the city of Rome, is Humbert, King
of Italy. He is very popular prince and APP
pears on all occasions unattended Wlthout
the slightest fear of or danger from assasslna-
ton. He is forty years old, during ten OF
which he has sat on the throne OF united
Italy. He is personally brave and devoted
to norses and army life; was brilliant
cavalry officer. He is also deeply interested
in naval affairs, and in endeavoring to create
an Italian navy has spent more money than
the financial condition of the country could
afford. His manners are courteous, and he
makes favorable impression upon all
strangers who are admitted to his presence.
He has decidedly practical turn OF
mind and is fond of reading, especially
works on national affairs and political
economy. Humbert is devoted to his only
child, a little boy about ten years old. 1t is
pleasant sight to see him sitting on his
fathers knee with his little earnest face, re
f1ecting the inquiring mind of his father.
The Queen is four or five years younger
than the King and speaks French, German
and English, and is very fond of the litera-
ture of those countries, especially the works
of Goethe and Shakespeare. She has enjoyed
a great reputation for beauty among the
princesses of Europe, but of late years she
has grown almost too stout for grace. She is
said to be very charitable and devout
Catholic, notwithstanding the relations be-
tween the Vatican and the Qurinal.
There are five American ladies attached to
the Italian court, all of whom have married
Italian nOblemen. One OF these IS the
Marchesa Theodol, formerly Miss Conrad,
of Philadelphia. She is the chief lady in
waiting, and is the most beautiful
woman in Italy. To be presented at
court, it is necessary to have credentials
showing the applicant to be person holding
good social position. His moral status is not
inquired into as in the ante room Of the
Vatican prior to an audience with the Pope
1t is sufficient to'be gentleman, cavalier,
anything, SO long as your appearance, you
purse and your Endorsements are satisfactory.
Entering the Quirinal, you are at once struck
with the military appearance of the palace.
Soldiers are everywhere. The reception
takes place in the yellow-room Of the palace
and the Marquis de Stufa, the grand cham
berlain, makes the presentations. The
furniture of this apartment is of yellow
satin damask and q few bronze and
marble statues adorn the room. The King,
with the Queen leaning on his arm.
walks around and talks pleasantly to the
guests who have been presented The King
wears at these receptions military uniform;
the Queen wears a dress of some neutral
tint her ornaments being pearls and dia.
monds, of which she is very fond. The con.
versation generally is on some light topic OF
the day, with an occasional remark or
literary or scientific subjects. An audience
generally lasts half an hour. The King
and Queen are very happy in their domestic
relations. Every Sunday afternoon they
drive in the Borghese Gardens, but in sepa-
rate carriages, etiquette not permitting them
to drive together. The King frequently holds
the reins himself, with the crown prince sit
ting by his side. Roman society is divided
into blacks and whites" or the adherents
of the Pope and King.